1. Buying and Unboxing Your iPad
In this chapter, you learn about the various iPad models and how to unbox and set up your new iPad.
Choosing the Right iPad for You
Powering Up Your iPad for the First Time
Apple’s iPad is a tablet computer—that is, a small computer in the shape of a handheld tablet. Instead of a keyboard and separate display screen, you have a touch-sensitive display. Not only do you view whatever is on the screen, you also can touch or tap or otherwise poke and prod the screen with your fingertips to make things happen. Instead of tapping the keys on a physical keyboard, you tap the virtual keys and buttons on the display, and the tablet reacts.
You can use an iPad to browse and search the Web, keep in touch with people through Facebook and other social media, send and receive email and instant messages, participate in video chats, watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, take and edit photographs and videos, play games, and control smart home devices. You can even do word processing, create spreadsheets, and manage other productive activities on an iPad.
For many people, an iPad is a viable replacement for a notebook or desktop computer because an iPad can do so many things. Or you may view a tablet as a useful supplement to your smartphone, one that’s just easier and more comfortable to use for many tasks.
Choosing the Right iPad for You
Apple has offered various models of iPads since its introductory model back in 2010, with new types and sizes being released on an annual basis.
All of Apple’s iPads share a number of common features. They all have touchscreens, so you can control what you see with a tap or drag of your finger. They all have built-in speakers for listening, as well as a jack to which you can connect your earphones or headphones. They all have two cameras, one on the rear for shooting normal photos and videos and one on the front for shooting selfies or doing video chats. They all have built-in storage to store those photos you take as well as other data and apps. All will last about 10 hours on a battery charge, depending on your usage. And they all have built-in Wi-Fi, so you can wirelessly connect to the Internet.
Beyond that, the models differ mostly in terms of screen size and resolution, storage capacity, processing speed, and a few extra features, such as cellular connectivity (so you can connect your iPad to your mobile phone network). Naturally, the bigger models with more speed, storage, and features cost more than the smaller, less fully featured ones.
So which model you choose depends on a number of factors—what size screen you want, how much storage capacity you need, what you want to do with the iPad, and how much money you want to spend. Let’s look at the current models available, as of Fall 2019.
iPad mini
The smallest (but not the least expensive) iPad in Apple’s lineup is the iPad mini. The current fifth-generation mini is smaller than the original iPad, with a 7.9-inch screen (compared to the traditional iPad’s 9.7-inch screen). This makes the mini both smaller (just 8 inches high × 5.3 inches wide) and lighter (.66 pound) than the traditional iPad, which a lot of people prefer; you don’t need to use both hands to hold it.
The fifth-generation iPad mini.
Of course, the smaller display also makes it a little more difficult to read what’s on the screen. The text on some web pages gets a tad small for some readers who might be more comfortable with the larger screen on the traditional iPad. That said, the screen on the fifth-generation iPad mini has the same resolution as the regular-sized model (measured in terms of pixels, or individual screen elements), which actually provides a sharper picture.
Retina Display
All of Apple’s latest iPad models feature what the company calls the Retina display. The Retina display has more pixels per square inch, which makes text and images appear extremely crisp onscreen. The screens on the current iPad and iPad mini both offer 2048 × 1536 pixel resolution, which translates to 326 pixels per inch (ppi) on the mini and 264 ppi on the larger iPad. In general, the higher the resolution (the more pixels per inch), the sharper the display.
Price-wise, the iPad mini is actually more expensive than the larger iPad model (which I discuss next). Apple currently offers two Wi-Fi iPad mini models, one with 64GB of storage for $399, and one with 256GB of storage for $549. Both are compatible with the (optional) Apple Pencil stylus device.
Cellular Connectivity
All iPads come with Wi-Fi built-in, so you can connect to the Internet from your home Wi-Fi network or any public Wi-Fi hotspot. Select models are also available that add cellular connectivity, so you can connect the iPad to your mobile phone’s data network when Wi-Fi is not available. Cellular connectivity adds about $130 to the price of a comparable Wi-Fi-only model; because of this price differential, the non-cellular iPads are Apple’s best sellers.
iPad
Apple’s flagship tablet is simply called the iPad. This model, Apple’s most popular, comes with a large 10.2-inch Retina display, which makes it ideal for those of us with aging eyes. It’s 9.8 inches high × 6.8 inches wide and weighs 1.07 pounds.
Apple’s seventh-generation iPad.
The new seventh-generation version of the iPad includes support for the (optional) Apple Pencil stylus and Smart Keyboard. It comes in 32GB and 128GB versions and is priced at just $329 and $429, respectively.
iPad Air
New for 2019 is the third generation of the iPad Air. This model has the same exterior dimensions as the regular iPad—9.8 inches high x 6.8 inches wide—but it weighs a tad less at an even 1.0 pounds. It has a 10.5-inch Retina display and slightly higher resolution at 2224 × 1668 pixels. (That calculates to the same 264 ppi as the slightly smaller iPad, however.)
The third-generation iPad Air.
The iPad Air also features a slightly faster processor than the regular iPad, True Tone technology that adjusts the screen brightness and color for ambient lighting, and a higher-resolution camera (7 megapixels, rather than 1.2 megapixels for the regular iPad). It’s also compatible with the (optional) Apple Pencil.
This new iPad Air comes in two versions—with 64GB and 256GB storage. They’re priced at $499 and $649, respectively.
iPad Pro
Apple’s top-of-the-line iPad is the iPad Pro. This is a fully featured model, available in two screen sizes, that is optimized for business productivity. When coupled with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, both optional, the iPad Pro can function as a viable replacement for a traditional desktop or laptop PC.
The iPad Pro—no Home button.
Both current-generation iPad Pros also have additional features not found on lower-priced iPads. Both do away with the traditional Home button; they instead rely on touch gestures and Face ID technology. They both feature USB-C connectors instead of the older Lightning connectors found on the non-Pro models. Screen resolution is 264 ppi for both models, and they both offer True Tone display technology and a 12-megapixel camera.
Because of the enhanced productivity (and slightly larger screens), the iPad Pro models aren’t cheap. The 11-inch iPad Pro (slightly larger than both the iPad and iPad Air) starts at $799 for 64GB of storage, and goes up to $1549 for a 1TB model. The larger 12.9-inch model, which is even better suited for office use, starts at $999 and goes up to $1749.
Which iPad Should You Buy?
As noted previously, which iPad is best for you depends on how you intend to use it, along with what size screen you want and how much you want to spend.
In general, the most popular model with both home and casual users is the 10.2-inch iPad. At just $329 for the base model, you can’t beat the price.
Now, some home and casual users prefer the iPad mini simply because of the size. Given that it’s actually priced higher than the larger base model iPad, however, it’s quickly becoming a niche model aimed at smaller children and schools.
If you want a slightly larger screen than the standard iPad, along with slightly faster performance, the iPad Air is a good choice. It costs about $170 more than the standard iPad, however, so there’s that.
If you want to do serious work on your tablet or are using your tablet in your business, then you should consider the iPad Pro models. Know, however, that you’ll spend more (a lot more) for the larger screens and enhanced functionality. Nice as they are, the iPad Pros are just too pricey for many home and casual users.
Whichever iPad you choose, they all run the same iPadOS 13 operating system, and all run pretty much the same apps you can find in Apple’s App Store. It really is a matter of size and storage capacity; choose the one that best fits your needs.
Unboxing Your New iPad
Whichever model iPad you choose, it comes in a stylish white box with minimal text and graphics. (Apple is all about the style!) What’s inside that box? Let’s take a peek!
What’s Inside the Box
All iPad models come in similar packaging. Open the box and you see the iPad itself. Take out the iPad and remove the plastic protector sheets.
Unboxing a brand-new iPad Pro.
Charging Your iPad
Your new iPad’s battery probably has a decent charge out of the box, so you can use it right away. However, you’ll soon want to recharge the battery to get maximum use out of your new device. Learn how in Chapter 2, “Getting Started with Your iPad.”
Underneath the iPad are a white cable and power adapter, which you use to both charge your iPad and connect it to a computer. The iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini models feature a Lightning-to-USB cable; the iPad Pro models feature a USB-C-to-USB cable instead. The power adapter, of course, plugs right into any wall outlet.
Powering Up Your iPad for the First Time
Now is the moment of truth—time to power up your iPad for the very first time! It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to get everything set up, but it’s as simple as following the instructions you see onscreen.
During the course of the initial setup, you’re asked to supply some or all of the following information:
Your language and country or region. This determines how specific information, such as date and time, appears on your device.
The name and password for your home wireless network or nearby Wi-Fi hotspot for your iPad to connect to the Internet.
On those iPads with a Home button, you need to register your fingerprint to enable Touch ID fingerprint log in.
On those iPads without a home button, you need to register your face (using the iPad’s built-in camera) to enable the Face ID facial recognition log in.
On all iPads, you also need to create a six-digit passcode for your device.
Passwords and PINs
Learn more about protecting your iPad with passwords, PINs, Touch ID, and Face ID in Chapter 6, “Keeping Your iPad Safe and Secure.”
If you have another Apple device handy (and it’s running iPadOS 13, iOS 13, or iOS 12), you’re prompted to use the Automatic Setup features to wirelessly transfer settings from the other device to your iPad. Just hold the two devices close together until they’re properly “paired,” and then let Automatic Setup do all the work for you.
If you have an Apple ID for another Apple device (another iPad, iPhone, or Mac), you can use it to log in and transfer some system settings. You also can go this route if you have an older iPad from which you want to transfer settings and apps.
If this is your first Apple device, you’re prompted to create a new Apple ID. This is free.
You’re also prompted to set up Apple Pay (for using your iPad for handsfree and online payments), iCloud Keychain (to save usernames and passwords), and Siri (for voice commands). You can do all this during initial setup or later if you don’t have time to do it right away. You’ll also have to accept Apple’s Terms and Conditions; you have to do this before Apple will let you use your new iPad.
Turn It On—for the First Time
Turning on your new iPad is a simple process—as easy as pressing a button.
Turn on your iPad by pressing and holding the Top button (at the top of the case) until you see the Apple symbol on the screen.
You see the word “Hello” in many languages. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the Home button (at the bottom front of the case), if your iPad has one, to continue. You should now follow the onscreen instructions to complete the initial setup.
Accessorizing Your iPad
Apple and a number of third-party companies make a variety of accessories you can add to your iPad. These accessories protect your iPad and make it more functional and more personalized.
Perhaps the most popular iPad accessory is an iPad case. A rugged case is essential if you want to protect your iPad against accidental bumps and drops, which can easily damage your expensive device. One particularly useful type of case is the smart cover, which automatically puts your iPad to sleep when closed and wakes it up when opened. You can find smart covers from Apple and a variety of third parties, many of which feature foldable backs to function as stands for your device.
If you want to use your iPad for office work, you need something other than the onscreen keyboard for typing. If you’re the proud owner of an iPad Pro, you should seriously consider investing in Apple’s Smart Keyboard. Functioning as a keyboard, cover, and folding stand, the Smart Keyboard connects to your iPad Pro via the device’s wireless Smart Connector. Prices range from $159 to $199, depending on size.
Apple’s Smart Keyboard, connected to an iPad Pro.
If you have a regular (non-Pro) iPad, there are lots of other wireless keyboards available—priced substantially lower, unsurprisingly. Some of these are freestanding keyboards; others come as part of a keyboard/cover/stand. Prices range from around $25 up to $100 or more.
Another useful accessory for iPad owners is the Apple Pencil, a wireless stylus that resembles a physical pencil and enables you to write or draw on the screen. You also can use it as a stylus to select items onscreen. The first generation Apple Pencil, which works on most current non-Pro iPads, runs $99. The second generation Apple Pencil, which works with the newest iPad Pro models, runs $129.
Using an Apple Pencil with an iPad Pro.
Using the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
Learn more about using the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard in Chapter 22, “Using the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.”
Alternatively, you can opt for a third-party stylus that connects to any iPad via Bluetooth. This type of stylus works just about the same and costs a lot less than the Apple Pencil.
If you like to listen to music or watch videos without disturbing others nearby, invest in wireless headphones or earphones. Or if you want to use your iPad to host the music for your entire living room, get one or more wireless Bluetooth speakers and turn your iPad into the centerpiece of an honest-to-goodness home audio system.
Where can you find all these accessories? You can find iPad accessories from a variety of different manufacturers at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and other traditional retailers, as well as Amazon.com and other online retailers. Apple also sells a bevy of iPad accessories (both its own and third-party items) on its website at www.apple.com/shop/ipad/ipad-accessories. Prices vary from store to store, of course, so make sure you shop around for the best price!